ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R6

ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R Cameras

ISO Decision Canon EOS R6 © Vernon Chalmers for Canon South Africa

Using Auto-ISO versus a Fix ISO in Canon EOS R6

For Birds and Birds in Flight Photography, Woodbridge Island | Cape Town 

I regularly make reference to my Auto-ISO preference for birds in flight photography at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - and from time to time perched birds with Auto-ISO.

I generally use apertures (f/stops) between f/4 – 6.3 (depending on the lens used). Shutter speeds are mainly set between 1/2500 – 1/3200 depending on the light (and for covering most of the bird speeds). 

Please Note: Above settings (recommendations) are just for birds / birds in flight handheld (no tripod or other assistance).

This changed (using Auto-ISO) for the first time in many years after reviewed the Canon EOS R6 for Canon South Africa. Fortunately this was nothing to do with the impressive Canon EOS R6 Full Frame body, but rather the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses I was given for a review in rather poor light conditions at the time (note: both lenses have a fix aperture o f/11).

This was the first time ever I have prepared for perched birds / birds in flight photography with such a small aperture. A major concern was the fix f/11-stop at such long focal lengths for the absolute atrocious winter light (and the dark backgrounds in the Table Bay Nature Reserve further down the Diep River).

Grey Heron  Woodbridge Island Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens : ISO 640 / 1/2500s

The first morning I went out with the Canon R6 and the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens and I had high hopes that the Canon EOS Full Frame sensor at f/11 and Auto-ISO should be acceptable.

 

The results were far from acceptable. The Auto-ISO average was at ISO 3200 and shutter speeds were between 1/2500 – 1/3200).

The following morning I used a fix ISO between 640 – 800. Eventually settling with ISO 640 / f/11 / 1/3200s (to cover the different speeds as I would do with any other EOS and my f/4 – f/6.3 apertures and 1/2500 – 1/4000 shutter speeds on the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5L IS USM and EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lenses.

Canon EOS R6 First Impressions and Sample Images >>
I concluded the 'winter week' at shooting mostly at ISO 640, due to the poor light, but was satisfied of what the two RF lenses delivered attached to the Canon EOS R6.

Taking advantage of Auto ISO - Official Canon Article >>

Page Image Information : Birds / Birds in Flight Photography (Woodbridge Island / Cape Town)

Image 1: Cape canary with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 2: Grey heron in flight with Canon EOS R6  / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 3: Cape reed warbler with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R6 / RF Lens 800mm f/11IS STM Lens

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Introduction to the Photography Exposure Triangle

Learning Photography Exposure (For Application in Canon P / Av / Tv / M Modes) 

Canon EOS 70D / 300mm Lens ISO 100 f/13 1/125s

Learning Photography Exposure:  ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed

The objective of this article is to provide new photographers (irrespective of Canon EOS / EOS R / PowerShot camera) with an introduction to the Exposure Triangle and the inter-relationship between the three fundamental exposure elements:

• ISO
• Aperture 
• Shutter Speed 

Camera / Lens EXIF Data
EXIF Data is the identification and listing of an information tag and its value (available for DSLR / Compact / Smartphone cameras after taking the photo) - generally found on your LCD screen viewing image detail or when downloaded in Google Picasa / Adobe Lightroom (and other camera / editing software). Read more>>

Introduction to the Exposure Triangle
Every photo taken with a DSLR / Compact / Smartphone camera will offer / use a variety of settings to expose an image as ideally as possible to the photographer’s vision and planning.

Exposure Triangle

Exposure Process

Exposure is a photographic process of light reflecting off a subject through the camera lens onto the camera's image sensor for a specific period of time. The relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed settings will determine the final exposure of light (for each image) captured by the camera's image sensor - and will represent a given Exposure Value (EV).

Relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed
In understanding ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed it’s important to note that all three are present in every photo you capture with your camera. The degree in which they are applied will depend on various camera and / or lens settings and lighting conditions. The main camera control over the inter-relationship between the three will be decided by the photographer in selecting the most appropriate shooting mode (in Auto Mode the camera will select the exposure settings, with limited other manual / photographic control).

Aperture demonstration for new photographers View

In most cameras today you will not find ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed settings on the main mode dial of the camera, but either as separate switchgear or tucked inside the menu system – to be used with other settings (when selecting your shooting mode (Auto / P / Av / Tv / M Mode).

Auto-ISO is also an option that many new and experienced photographers are using.

Photographic Genres and the Exposure Triangle
As we developed as photographers we learn how to properly set the exposure for different genres. With Birds in Flight (action) a fast enough shutter speed will be a priority, for a distant landscape the attention / focus will be on a smaller aperture / f/stop. In long exposure / night photography we would like to keep the ISO as low as possible to minimize noise, but may opt for a 30 seconds or longer expose (ito of shutter speed). At all times all three settings of the Exposure Triangle will be configured to assist the photographer with the type of exposure required.

Camera Shooting Modes
In Automatic Mode the camera will decide the exposure settings for the photographer, in the Semi-Automatic Modes (Av / Tv) the camera will decide at least one exposure setting and in Manual Mode the photographer could take full control of all three exposure settings - many photographers who prefer Manual Mode may leave the ISO on Automatic and only set the aperture and the shutter speed.

P Mode: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS f/5.6 ISO 100

All DSLR cameras and the more advanced compact cameras will have at least the following shooting modes in which the ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed exposure setting will be automatically / manually controlled by camera and / or the photographer.

Auto Mode

In Automatic Mode the camera will decide the best exposure and the photographer will have no control over any ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed settings. Best use: when new to photography and / or uncertain about setting in changing light conditions.

Program (P) Mode
In P mode the camera will control Aperture and Shutter Speed with the photographer full control over ISO settings. Best use: when new to photography, shooting in changing conditions, but have control over ISO settings. Program (P) Mode demonstration Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
In Av mode the camera will control Shutter Speed with the photographer full control over Aperture and ISO settings.

Best use: when controlling aperture settings for Depth Of Field (DOF) application in ie. macro / landscape / portraiture / street photography. seascapes / Table Mountain photography Canon EOS 6D / Canon EOS 700D DSLR

Shutter Priority (Tv) Mode
In Tv mode the camera will control Aperture with the photographer in full control of Shutter Speed and ISO settings.

Best use: when controlling shutter speed for subjects in motion or to freeze motion of birds, people and other objects. Motor Sport / Action photography Canon EOS 70D DSLR.

Manual (M) Mode
In M mode the photographer will have full control over ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed settings.

Best use: when the photographer requires full manual control over all three settings in specific environments in ie. studio, changing light or other challenging conditions. Birds In Flight photography Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Example Image: Inter-relationship of ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed

Image 1 : Canon EOS 7D Mark II  / 400mm lens Av Mode f/5.6

More of this Shoot  World of Birds Hout Bay Cape Town

Shooting mode: Av (Aperture Priority) with the following EXIF data: 

• ISO 640 – (Auto-ISO - controlled by Camera
• f/5.6 - (aperture – controlled by photographer)
• 1/90s - (shutter speed – controlled by camera)

Interpretation and interaction of these exposure EXIF data readings:

P Mode: EOS 700D / 10-18mm Lens IS0 800 f/4.5

ISO

ISO is the abbreviation for International Standards Organisation and an indicator of the sensitivity of light entering the lens onto the sensor. Its measured in values of ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 and 12 800. Most cameras will also have an option for Auto-ISO. More advanced / professional digital cameras could have and ISO of up to ISO 51200+ (ie. Canon EOS 1D X). Most cameras including compact cameras will give an ISO range of 100 – 6400+ which is suitable for most lighting conditions.

ISO 100 is generally the setting used for outside / bright light photography and will be set higher as outside natural light or internal artificial light deteriorates. Not uncommon to set ISO 400 for indoor lighting and up to ISO 1600 for outside / low light photography. These various ISO settings are available for the photographer to adjust
for low light photography – even to leave the camera on Auto-ISO (for changing daylight / overcast conditions). It is recommended to experiment with ISO 400 - 1600 for after dark / night photography. When doing long exposures (slow shutter speeds) it is recommended to use ISO 100 - 400. Higher ISO demonstration Canon EOS 700D DSLR

Recommended ISO settings:

• ISO 100 or 200 for sunny and bright daylight 
• ISO 400 ISO for cloudy days, or indoors 
• ISO 800 for indoors (without a flash) 
• ISO 1600+ for very low light situations 

Disadvantages of high ISO settings:

• More noise visible in the image the higher the ISO value
• Higher ISO’s affects slower shutter speeds (for possible camera shake if handheld)

Image 2 - Av Mode: f/5.6 ISO 400 1/90s

Aperture

Aperture is the size of the space in which light enters the lens / camera. It is measured in f/stops - a fractional formula used for allowing a certain amount of light in - ie. f/5.6 or f/11 which is controlled by the photographer via a variety of ways ie. manually doing it in Av or Manual mode on the camera body). In Auto or P mode (and Tv Mode) the camera will decide the aperture for you). Aperture is (also) used to control Depth Of Field DOF). DOF / close-up photography in Av mode 

Aperture values

f/1.8  f/2.8  f/4  f5.6  f/8  f/16  f/19  f/22 f/32 (This is lens dependent on a DSLR camera system, but in most cameras the setting will be on camera body). 

Image 2 EXIF Data: Av Mode

ISO 400 (low light)

f/5.6 (wide aperture for shallow Depth-Of-Field)

Shutter Sped 1/90 seconds

Deep vs; Shallow Depth-Of-Field (DOF) 
With a deep DOF more of the entire image will be in focus and its more likely to be used in Landscape Photography with smaller apertures of ie. f/11 – f/16. With shallow DOF certain areas of an image is deliberately out of focus and be used in a variety of genres (Wildlife / Sport / Macro / Portraits) where the photographer deliberately wants to separate the main subject from the
background - for this effect, larger apertures will be applied ie. f/1.4 - f/8 (see below image)

Lens Apertures f/2 - f/22

Aperture Demo: Canon EOS 6D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens f/1.8 - f/22  View 

Lens apertures In DSLR photography different lenses are used to create / select different levels of DOF depending on the lens aperture range, optical length of the lens and distance from subject. Different lenses / aperture settings will be applied for different type of photography genres requiring blur effects at various focal lengths ie. for close-up / macro, portraiture or wildlife photography. A DSLR camera system is not necessarily required for creating deliberate image blur, a compact camera with a wide aperture lens with some optical zoom will also work to some extent.

See Aperture / DOF Demonstration Aperture / DOF Demo

Aperture is used to control the exposure of a deep or a shallow Depth Of field (DOF) for a specific composition. A smaller f/number allows more light into the camera via the lens ie. f/2.8-f/5.6 and will create a shallow DOF for a close-up subject against a background (isolating a flower from its surroundings). See article Digital Noise vs Blur

Image 3: Canon EOS 7D Mark II  : 1/3200s Manual Mode

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the length of time the camera's shutter is open (and closing) allowing light onto the sensor for a given time period. Shutter speed is always measured in time. Measured in fractions of a second ie.1/125 seconds, but can extend past 30 seconds up to hours. Most digital cameras will have a default range from 1/4000 – 30 seconds. But can be faster up to 1/8000 depending on the DSLR model.

Slow shutter speed
Refer to the article ‘Long Exposures / Night Photography Setup & Tips
(Using Av mode) long exposure demo for specific
examples to learn more about specific shutter speeds.

Fast shutter speed
To freeze motion photographers use fast shutter speeds to ie freeze the wings
of a bird in motion. See Image 3 for the example
in which I captured the Bird In Flight (Image 3) at a shutter speed of 1/3200 seconds using Manual Mode: f/6.3  ISO 500 (Auto- ISO).

Suggested Shutter Speeds

To Capture Motion

• Moving water / waterfalls 4+ seconds
• Fireworks 4+ seconds
• Moving car at night 8+ seconds
• Night photography 1+ seconds

To Freeze Action

• Birds in flight 1/1000+
  seconds
• Moving water / waterfalls
  1/1000+ seconds
• Cars / motorcycles 1/1000 seconds
• Sporting event 1/500 –
  1/2000 seconds

Canon  EOS 700D / 100mm Lens f/11 ISO 200 1/125s

Conclusion

The ‘Exposure Triangle’ settings will be available before every photograph is captured. For the new photographer Auto-mode and / or semi-auto modes such as P / Av / Tv modes will provide assistance in getting the best exposure for a given shooting environment.

New photographers should be in no rush to ‘have to’ understand all exposure settings and shootings modes as soon as possible. Learning about them is important, but more important is getting comfortable with your camera, menu settings and your compositions.

Photography is a visually inspiring journey that if allowed, will not just develop camera / photographic skills or exploring different environments, but contribute to an overall mindfulness and satisfaction of great image capturing (and sharing).

Canon Camera Equipment Used (for example images)

• Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera body
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II Camera body
• Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera body 
• Canon EOS 700D DSLR Camera body 
• Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens 
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens 
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens 
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens 
• Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens 
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto / Prime lens 
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5 - 5.6L IS II USM Zoom lens
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II external hotshoe flash 

Cape Town Shooting Locations

• Birds in Flight: Woodbridge Island Cape Town
• Fashion: Partners Hair Design Kenilworth Cape Town
• Fireworks / Ferris Wheel: V&A Waterfront Cape Town
• Flowers: Arnhem Milnerton Cape Town
• Flowers Aurora Durbanville Cape Town
• Motor Racing Killarney Cape Town
• Perched Bird: Blouberg Strand Cape Town
• Perched Bird: World of Birds Hout Bay Cape Town

All Text / Images / Partners Hair Model © Vernon Chalmers 2013 - 2017

(Click to Enlarge)

Canon EOS 70D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens f/4 ISO 1600

Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm Lens Av Mode: ISO 320  f/10  1/320s

Canon EOS 70D / 400mm Lens Manual Mode: ISO 320  f/6.3  1/2000s

Canon EOS 6D / 24-70mm Lens Av Mode: ISO 100  f/16  15s

Fireworks Canon EOS 700D ISO 100  f/11  8s

Canon  EOS 70D / 100mm Lens f/2.8 ISO 5000 1/110s

Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens f/11 1/160s

Canon Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips View

Thoughts on Atmospheric Conditions for Photographers

Planning  / Conditions for Photographers 

Notes on Planning and Application for the Serious Photographer - Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Earlier this morning I posted about a question of any 'Photoshop' applied in one of my in-flight images - with the intention of asking if the image was manipulated in any way.

Read: Bird in Flight image photoshopped or not?

As a photographer I am a little concerned that people would think like that, but nevertheless see it as a compliment - especially where the photographer planned for achieving specific results.

For my own birds in flight photography around Woodbridge Island, Cape Town I look at two environmental variables very seriously: (i) available morning light and (ii) atmospheric conditions (wind / sun / clouds et al) before going out for a session.

My 'check' for best value photography is seen in the attached image: for the absolute best conditions this is what I look / plan for (when I look out the window). So its quite possible that some people may think Photoshop played any role in the outcome of certain images.

Unfortunately, days like this on the image is far and few between. I wait it out and when the going is good, I get going. It doesn't mean we don't should around here in any other conditions.

It is also important to note that the serious photographer should be able to shoot in many different light conditions. Light is probably our biggest advantage, but without appropriate light, the challenges will increase thinking and planning (without rushing out to purchase higher-quality equipment).

We all use different levels of post-processing . I believe the serious photographer will (only) attempt to improve the well-planned shot in terms of slight adjustment(s) in the exposure and / or the composition, without altering the original 'naturalness' of the image.

Image created with Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens (on Manfrotto Compact tripod) from Arnhem Milnerton towards the main bridge at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Source>>  Woodbridge Island Photography

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

Introduction to Birds in Flight Photography

Introduction to Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town: Camera / Lens Settings & Tips

Vernon Chalmers Bird in flight Photographer Milnerton, Cape Town

Canon EOS 7D Mark II  / 400mm Lens ISO 500 / f/6.3 / 1/3200s

There are access to various resources on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website on how photograph birds in flight, the resources that I have developed and a few tips and other resources I have developed over the more than ten years a a birds in flight photographer and photography trainer.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town >>

Canon EOS SETUP and Tips for Birds in Flight Photography

Canon EOS 70D Birds In Flight Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm Lens

Canon EOS 80D Birds in flight Photography Canon EOS 80D

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight 10 Frames Per Second Demo

Canon EOS 7D Mark II : Automatic Selection Autofocus Testing View

Canon EOS 7D Mark II : Large Zone Autofocus Testing View

Starting Out with Birds in Flight Photography View

Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography View

Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Application For View

Birds in Flight Photography Training Gift Vouchers View

Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens (Tv Mode)
One advantage of using fast shutter speeds is the freezing of motion of birds in flight (BIF). On a DSLR and / or advanced compact / bridge camera this is achieved by either Manual or Tv (Shutter Priority) Mode.

DSLR vs Compact / Bridge Camera (ito faster lenses / higher shutter speeds)
The advantage of a DSLR over a compact camera (imo after various tests) will be faster autofocus, improved lens image-stabilisation (IS) and the bigger image sensor (for improved low light shooting, depth of field and possibly some framing).

EXIF data (Images Below)

• Canon EOS 700D body
• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens
• Tv Mode 
• Shutter speed: 1/1000s 
• Aperture: f/8 (selected by camera) 
• ISO 250 - 320
• Focal length: 280mm (slightly cropped) 
• Multi-Shot Mode / AI Servo / RAW

Cape Town Location / Conditions
Milnerton Lagoon / Cape Town (30/07/2014)
Sunny / Windy

Below Images: Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM Lens

Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM f/8 ISO 320 1/1000s Multi-Shot Mode IA Servo

Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM f/8 ISO 250 1/1000s Multi-Shot Mode IA Servo

Vernon Chalmers Photography Workshops Cape Town View

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town View

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Around the Cape Peninsula

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens Hair Fashion

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens for Portrait and Fashion Photography

'A cost-effective small prime lens with lots of potential' - Vernon Chalmers

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens 
At first I didn't consider the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime / consumer lens as an option while planning for the 2015 Partners Hair Design Training Academy Graduation / Fashion Show in Cape Town.

Prime sharpness
My initial thoughts were that the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM prime lens may be a tad short for this close-up hair fashion shooting application, but as a fast, sharp and small non-zoom lens it could just be good enough for the catwalk (if I could move with the action). With all the confidence in the world I paired it with the EOS 70D; using the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens on the Canon EOS 6D for the group / wider angle shots.

Just love 85mm... after shooting with 400mm for months

Great value and sharpness for a consumer lens and I am sure there are a few similar priced Sigma and or Tamron 85mm lenses that could possibly do the same job. If you're prepared to learn how to zoom with your feet the 85mm focal length could work well on full frame / crops bodies (85mm on full frame vs 136mm on APS-C / crop when considering the crop factor of 1.6).

Canon 70D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens For Hair Fashion Action

Hair-raising action photography

The main goal of covering the event was an all-round documentation of the show, guests, graduates and hair models. The biggest challenge was to shoot the extravagant hair designs with the 85mm lens on the crop-sensor Canon EOS 70D. Throughout the rehearsal I realized that it could be done as long as I move close enough with the models.

First image below is non-flash / non-action, but the others are all faster action walking / panning with the models (bounced flash). The last shot was captured during the rehearsal - no flash.

I did not really feel the need to use the Canon EOS 7D Mark II as I trusted the EOS 70D's AF and AI Servo to deliver within the same image quality parameters.

All Canon Equipment Used (during the show)

• Canon EOS 6D
• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Usm lens
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash
• Canon Speedlite 270EX II flash

Canon EOS 70D / Lens Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/60s 
• Aperture: f/4
• ISO 100 - 1600
• Focal length 85mm (Canon prime lens)
• Single Shot shooting / AI Servo Mode
• Single-Point Autofocus / Lens AF on

(Click To Enlarge)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 100)

© Vernon Chalmers for Partners Hair Design Training Academy Cape Town

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens Reviews

Early Morning Good / or Poor Light for White Birds

Light Conditions for Predominantly White Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island

Little egret in good morning light at Woodbridge Island

I only attempt to photograph (predominantly) white birds (in flight) early mornings – for reducing over-exposure. I don’t make any changes to my camera settings and are guided by natural light and weather conditions.

I may at times (in deteriorating light) lower the shutter speed to bring the ISO down (for birds in flight), other than that, I ‘focus’ on about everything else, but the camera. Over the years I’ve learned to trust my equipment to deliver within its exposure / performance parameters (after making the decision to go out birding – irrespective of conditions).

Being in a position to evaluate the most suitable conditions from 'higher-up' (as a definite advantage) before I go out with an estimated Auto-ISO 320 - 800 range for birds in flight. With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000 (or a bit higher). With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000+.

The last image here represents my ideal light / weather conditions shooting opportunity (this is what I see before making a decision for a serious personal early morning shoot down the river).

Very early morning summer light, poor light or foggy weather are my preferred conditions for the egrets and the occasional ibis.

Image 3 and 4 are captured in poor light / weather conditions where I was either in training with someone or the fog rolled in.

Image 1: Little egret in good morning light (based on the conditions as assessed in image 4)

Image 2: African sacred ibis in poor light (with no choice in conditions)

Image 3: Little egret appeared as the fog was rolling in

Image 4: The most conducive early-morning conditions before making a decision for a serious personal shoot

* All images over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

High-quality crisp morning light will always be a priority over technology for me – and therefore I don’t have the need to own the latest equipment.

I respect the fact that many bird photographers may not always be in a position to select the light / conditions of their choice – and therefore may be required to invest in camera gear that can handle much higher ISO's in poor / low light.

On many occasions I do go out (with clients or on my own) to shoot in adverse conditions to learn (and to make settings adjustment(s) if required - depending on the equipment in hand).

I have also learned there is no such thing as a perfect image... get as close as you can to an ‘ideal exposure’ in terms of subject / conditions and just enjoy the moment(s).

Canon Equipment

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

AF / Manual Exposure Mode Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/2500 - 1/3200s
• Aperture: f/5.6 - f/6.3
• Focal length 400mm
• Auto-White Balance (AWB)
• Auto ISO (320 - 1000)
• AF Mode: Zone / Wide Zone
• AF Case: Case 1 (Default)
• AI Servo / 10fps multi-shot
• RAW processing (shooting to RAW only)
• Handheld

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

African sacred ibis in poor light conditions

Little egret as the fog rolled in

Above Woodbridge Island : Good conditions for Birds in Flight Photography 

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R / Powershot Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Across the Cape Peninsula

All Images Copyright / Intellectual Property of Vernon Chalmers More Information >

Vernon Chalmers Photography in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Included in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds (Websites / Blogs)

Not as highly ranked as my Canon Camera News website (23rd position) – in the global Camera Category, but the VCP website is currently in the 77th position (in the global Photography category) - an improvement of 5 places during the last month.

From Feedspot: "The best Photography RSS feed list curated from thousands of RSS feeds on the web and ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness."

A big 'Thank You' again to all of my clients, regular visitors and supporter visiting the Vernon Chalmers Photography Training website for Canon Camera / Photography Training information and related resources.

Source / Reference>> Feedspot Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Tips | Settings for New Year's Eve Fireworks Photography

How to Shoot a Fireworks Display : Bulb Mode / Long Exposure Photography 

Canon EOS Bulb Mode Settings for Photographing Fireworks 

Fireworks Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

Getting ready for capturing NYE Fireworks? A few quick tips / settings to get new photographers going with photographing firework displays. 

How to shoot NYE Fireworks?

Canon EOS DSLR Settings for attached photographs:

• Bulb Mode
• Shutter Speed +- 4 - 6 seconds
• Aperture f/8 - f/11
• IS0 100 - 200
• Manual focus
• RAW

A sturdy tripod is essential. I've used a cable release (optional). No built-in or Speedlite flash.

More Firework Photography Images >>

Any DSLR's should be good to go (most compacts as well).

Lens selection will be distance-dependent. Setup +- 30 minutes before the event and take a few test shots.

Fireworks Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM lens

Fireworks / Long Exposure Image Below: I've used my Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens at +- 250mm (app 1.5 kilometres from fireworks over Woodbridge Island towards the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - captured from Arnhem Milnerton).

Best Vantage Points for Cape Town NYE Fireworks (not close to the V&A Waterfront)
Should you wish not to drive / go into the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town for photographing the NYE Fireworks, the Milnerton areas between Lagoon Beach and Milnerton Beach (Woodbridge Island) should provide for plenty opportunities for setting up tripods (with a clear view towards the V&A Waterfront).

Lagoon Beach / Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town Google Map

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens : V&A Waterfront, Cape Town NYE
Fireworks Display 

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips View

Flamingos returning to the Milnerton Lagoon

Encouraging News : Flamingos Returning to the Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon (2015)

With the ongoing sewage / poor water conditions in the Milnerton Lagoon opposite Woodbridge Island I have witnessed (9/12/2022) larger pods of greater flamingos than usual during this miserable and extended period.

Hopefully this is a sign of improved water conditions due to current interventions at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment plant (and other areas along the Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve).

The larger flamingo numbers could also just perhaps be random due to current weather / lower wind conditions here – hopefully it’s a (sustainable) combination of positive human intervention and weather conditions across the area.

Update: 'Fearless Flamingos'

I received an important comment / update from one of my readers on my Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Facebook Page / and my posting on Birdlife South Africa's Facebook Group re the flamingo's tolerance for poor water quality. Also, all other posts on Facebook re the 'returning flamingos' now offers this update.

Flamingo species are tolerant of extremely poor water quality - as published by The Observer "Africa’s most toxic lakes are a paradise for fearless flamingos" (Source: The Conversation)

Current Pollution / Sewage Situation at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Since 2016 / 2017 we have seen a definite decline in the abundance of bird species / and general bird life around the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and Table Bay Nature Reserve area. 

As a bird photographer residing here (and training other bird photographers) around the Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve  (just across Woodbridge Island) it is a real shame to have witnessed the deterioration of this significant natural ecosystem in Cape Town.      

Poor Water / Sewage Management into the Milnerton Lagoon >>

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town >>